An advanced breather membrane from DuPont has been used on a challenging coastal project.
The windswept shoreline of Sennen Cove in Cornwall offers both an inspiring outlook and a particular set of challenges for building to contemporary codes. On a rugged rise overlooking the bay, a developer has completely renovated a 19th century, two-storey, stone built cottage while complementing it with a sympathetic addition to create one large, luxury, four-bedroom house with pool and terrace.
The renewed property has been designed to the highest standards, meaning concerns such as interior climate comfort were as much a consideration as protecting the structure from the Cornish coastal weather. For the construction of the pitched, slated roofs, contractors Marnick Roofing of Falmouth used the advanced breather membrane, DuPont Tyvek Supro Plus.
Dupont says the system has long been established as a proven performer in terms of water-shedding, moisture management, airtightness and enhanced thermal efficiency. DuPont Tyvek also offers compliance with BS 5534:2014 for all wind zones and at all altitudes. Considering the exposed location of the property, DuPont says this wind-uplift resistance, together with trouble-free installation, made it a wise investment for a development designed to perform for the long term.
Paul Marks of Marnick Roofing said: “The choice was clear, not only in terms of the quality of the product, but also because we know we can depend on great service from DuPont. This is a high-spec project in a spectacular natural setting and we are proud to have been involved.”
DuPont says Tyvek is unique in the market because of its high-quality single layer construction that is naturally vapour open but also wind and water-tight. This is due to its composition of millions of micro fibres bonded together to make a ‘maze’ that’s impermeable to air and moisture but allows water vapour to pass through its natural pores.
In terms of wind-uplift resistance, all three BBA approved roofing underlays in the group – DuPont Tyvek Supro, DuPont Tyvek Supro Plus (with integral tape) and DuPont Tyvek Enercor roof – offer unrestricted application when tested in accordance with BS 5534:2014, and with no counter battens required in any zone. This allows contractors to be confident that they are in full compliance not only with the code but with all the weathering and thermal performance expectations of an advanced breather membrane.
